Fitbit Versa 2 – Revamped smartwatch with Amazon Alexa leaked
The sales figures haven’t been this great for Fitbit, leaving the US company placed third behind Apple and Samsung. To get back on track, Fitbit seems to work on a successor of the Fitbit Versa. At least that’s what one can guess from the pictures that surfaced on the Internet, most likely showing a Fitbit Versa 2. Although there is not much known, I will try to gather the facts and rumors about the smartwatch, that is still to be announced.
Fitbit Versa 2 (Quelle: Evan Blass @Twitter)
For some time there have been rumors circulating the Internet about a Fitbit Versa 2. With publishing a render image, famous leaker Evan Blass boosted the discussion about a successor of Fitbit’s smartwatch. As there is no official press release from Fitbit, all information given should be considered as rumors and wild guesswork. In my opinion we will see Fitbit release the Versa 2 at the beginning of September so that they will be able to present the new smartwatch on IFA 2019 in Berlin.
Groundbreaking New Features
Just once in my life I wanted to use a click baiting topic – sorry, I just couldn’t resist. To be honest, from the leaked picture there are only a few hints so let’s start with the most obvious one:
Amazon Alex on Fitbit Versa 2
If the picture is to be believed, the Versa 2 has support for Amazon’s digital assistent Alexa. This means that there is a need for Wi-Fi and the need for at least a microphone, better a microphone and a speaker. From what you can see from the back of the Versa, there is a small hole adjacent to the wristband. Most likely this will be the microphone. Though a speaker would be nice, visual and haptic feedback can be given by screen and vibration motor.
Fitbit Versa 2 Special Edition
Taken the woven wristband on the right hand side into account, there will be a Versa 2 standard and special edition. I guess that, as with the Versa, Fitbit Pay will be available on the special edition only.
Sleek and slender design
Fitbit devices always had there unique design but with the time, the design has become more mainstream and Apple oriented. The design of the Versa 2 is no different. Compared to the Versa, its successor misses the last sharp edges that gave the Versa somehow a unique look. But it is not only the edges that are missing – the Fitbit logo underneath the LCD display has gone too, so are the two buttons on the watch’s left. Not a big deal, though.
LCD vs. OLED
Some people consider that the Versa 2 is going to have an OLED display instead of the LCD display. I share this opinion as it emphazises Fitbit’s claim concerning design and quality. Maybe the picture on the left hand side underlines this improvement, as the display seems to be all black – different from what you usually see with Fitbit.
Heart rate sensor
The heart rate sensor that is part of Fitbit’s PurePulse technology looks exactly the same as the one found on the Versa, the Versa Lite and Ionic. I except Fitbit to introduce an ECG sensor, but its unlikely that is will be available on the Versa 2.
Release Dates and Prices
I am convinced that we will see a new Fitbit device by the end of August / beginning of September and I am pretty confident that I will be able get some hands-on experience on the IFA trade show in Berlin starting September 6th. Given this release date the Versa 2 will be available by September / October.
The first-gen, $199 Versa launched in March 2018, with the Versa Lite ($160) following this March. However, Fitbit doesn’t follow a standard product release schedule, so stay tuned for a release date and price.
When released a year ago, the Versa went on sale for $199 (standard edition). Most probably the price for the Versa 2 won’t be that different, with the Versa Lite being sold for $149, the Ionic for $249.
Fitbit Versa 2
AMOLED
300 x 300 pixels
303 PPI
Rating
Features
Features
Click for more information
Activity Tracking | |
| Steps | |
| Calories | |
| Floors | |
| Sleep | |
| Stress | |
| Inactivity alert | |
| Dynamic target | |
Information | |
| Time / Date | |
| Notifications | |
| Weather | |
| Calendar | |
| Find phone | |
Music | |
| Remote control | |
| Playback via BLE | |
Phone calls | |
| Calls (direct) | k.A. |
| Calls (via Bluetooth) | k.A. |
Sport programs / features
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Sensors
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| Acceleration / Gyroskop | |
| PPG / Heart rate | |
| Altimeter | |
| Compass | |
| Skin temperature | |
| Temperature | |
| ECG |
Location services
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| GPS | |
| GPS (Multiband) | |
| Galileo | |
| GLONASS | |
| BeiDou | |
| QZSS | |
| Live tracking |
Connectivity
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| Bluetooth LE | |
| ANT+ | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| NFC | |
| LTE |
Other
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| Interchangeable wristband |
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